What can be done about intended defamation or malicious falsehood?

[maggles]

A local couple of some influence, recently circulated a nasty rumour about me with the intention, I believe, of removing me from the post of Secretary to the Committee of a local charity - which it did, at a public meeting where the allegation was made.

I am seeking an unreserved apology and retraction from the Committee and I also enquired about suing the couple responsible for the spreading the allegation but this is too expensive for me. Unbelievably, one of the parties involved is a Magistrate!

Can anybody kindly suggest what I can lawfully do about this?

[Davethedog]

First stop CAB - Then if you have a case see if a no win no fee company will take the case.

[society]

Why didn't the Committee investigate before sacking you? Surely evidence is proof, no evidence then that'd be just here-say? No? .

[oranger]

Have a word with your local paper.

[maggles]

is it harassment?

[maggles]

Sorry, new at this ans seemed to have lost a couple of my answers, thanks very much for such a quick response.

Society, the other party setting the rumour was the Chairman, secondly, the secretary is elected, I cna't complain and I don't mind about that so much as people thinking that I did this, luckily, I did have written proof that I couldn't have done what he said and lastly, I mean influence, this guy could spin Peter Mandleson into heaven....

Oranger, thanks for that answer. I have been giving that some thought but have no idea how to present 'the story'... see above, this guy is a MASTER of spin...

[maggles]

Oh, and a good smack in the gob is sooooo tempting! haha!!

[bednobs]

"no win no fee" people will not be interested in the slightest - as you have already found out it is expensive, and any money you would "win" would be slight compared to the amount you could get. What exactly have you lost in monetary terms? You feel like you have lost reputation i'm surebut how could that be compensated for in money?
have you simply tried asking them for an apology, or your chance to prove to them you couldn't have done "it"? Don't really understand why "the committee" should apologise anyway unless they were the ones that accused you of something you didn't do

[Davethedog]

bednobs thinking about it your totaly right.

Thing is that for slander/libel the person who is slandered has to prove themselves innocent. The onus is on you, if your proof is total and you have to clear your name you might talk to a lawyer about all the implications, if you went ahead and won you would get your costs back.

If I were you I would take some time and wait until your temper abates and see what you think in the cold light of day.

[Nosha123]

You could send them a solicitors letter and say you want the accusation publicly retracted with a full apology otherwise you will be seeking to take the matter further.

Also note that you have written documentation that proves the accusation otherwise.

Slander cases are notoriously expensive - but a threat may just get you an apology!

[Mosaic]

I'd be a bit wary of threatening anything that you can't won't see to the end.

[maggles]

Nosha, thanks, you are absolutely right. But first to get my apology! They won’t respond to empty threats though because I couldn’t afford to pursue it… cost of court can be anything from £30k upward. If I could afford it I would. And thoroughly agree with you Mosaic, thanks.

[maggles]

Davethedog, thanks for that. Have consulted defamation lawyer see above for rest. Ps, not in a temper, and this day is very light and, topically, very cold…

Bedknobs its not about money – I want an apology and retraction and have drafted a letter to them. The only way they will do it is if they think they have no other choice so empty threats will not work. But I understand that such action could be considered harassment, but as one is a magistrate, they have some understanding of the law so I want to be sure of my ground. I’d really like to know more about ‘malicious falsehood’ but can find very little. Re your other comments, they knew exactly what they were doing and also know very well that the story was not true, and I can prove that. I only mention the committee to show that they had a motive and thus intention (see above, one is the Chairman).
Thanks, I really appreciate your comments